Morning everyone. The federal budget will dominate the news today but let’s start with a development that will be of great interest to the bottom line of anyone who has ever boarded a plane in Australia: airlines could soon be forced to pay compensation to passengers who are bumped off flights. We’ll be looking into how that might happen, plus everything you need to know in advance of the budget, and how Mark Zuckerberg has conquered martial arts.
Australia
“Unique as a platypus’ | The black summer bushfires may have resulted in the local extinction of some frog species in parts of New South Wales, with the pouched frog, the giant burrowing frog, and Pugh’s mountain frog (pictured) most at risk.
Surplus story | Australia’s federal budget is projected to record a $4bn surplus this financial year – the first surplus in 15 years – thanks to soaring commodity prices and higher than expected wage growth boosting tax revenues.
Return fare | The consumer watchdog, Choice, and legal advocates are all lobbying government that airline passengers should be compensated if their flight schedules are changed, responding to growing public anger at their treatment by carriers and bringing the country into line with practice overseas.
Mob marker | The ringleader of a mob that surrounded the house of an Indigenous teenager in Rockhampton was previously the national leader of a far-right “patriots” group and a former One Nation candidate, it has emerged as Queensland police warned vigilantism could result in someone dying.
Diplomatic deficit | Australia’s diplomatic network has “serious gaps” and needs a staffing boost, a review warns, with the foreign service too stretched to be able to deal with the changing world order. Canada, meanwhile, has said overnight that it is “highly interested” in joining the Aukus defence pact.
World
Coronation anger | Britain’s opposition Labour party is under pressure to say whether it would repeal new anti-protest laws amid anger at their use to break up anti-royal protests during the coronation.
Russian attacks | Russia has launched a fresh wave of drone, missile and airstrikes on cities across Ukraine, as Moscow stepped up attacks on the eve of its Victory Day parade commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Texas accused | The man accused of killing several people after driving his truck into a crowd of migrants in south Texas city was shouting anti-immigrant obscenities at the time of the crash, according to witnesses.
Trump trial | Donald Trump is a habitual liar and sexual abuser, a New York jury has been told in closing arguments at E Jean Carroll’s civil lawsuit against the former US president.
Meta medallist | The Facebook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg won gold and silver medals at his very first Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament in California, revealing an interest shared with other celebrities including Tom Hardy and Guy Ritchie.
Full Story
The new evidence that could see Kathleen Folbigg walk free
Donna Lu examines how science has helped shed new light on the case of Kathleen Folbigg, who has spent almost 20 years in prison since she was found guilty of killing her four children.
In-depth
So, it’s grand final day for Jim Chalmers and he won’t be lacking for advice on how to take home the flag. Writing for Guardian Australia, two leading economists, Angela Jackson and John Quiggin, argue that jobseeker must be substantially raised and that raising taxes is the way to pay for it. It’s also a huge day in the calendar for journalists; our very own Amy Remeikis writes about what it’s like in the Canberra lockup. And, when you’re done with that, here’s what we know so far about what to expect.
Not the news
Three Indigenous artists are representing Australia at the 2023 Gwangju Biennale in South Korea, provoking a strong and positive reaction from audiences who rarely see art from the world’s oldest living culture. Works by Waanyi artist Judy Watson, Betty Muffler and the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye are on display together, giving what curator Sook-Kyung Lee says is an insight into their “cultural experience”.
The world of sport
Football | Everton took a giant step towards Premier League safety with an astonishing 5-1 win away at Brighton this morning (pictured), while Leicester sank further into the mire after losing 5-3 at Fulham, and Sunderland snatched the last Championship playoff place.
A-League Men | The pulsating Sydney derby on Saturday shows why these local showdowns are the lifeblood of the game in Australia.
Formula One | Drivers have criticised the sport’s new pre-race celebrity introduction showcased at the Miami Grand Prix, calling it a distraction so close to the start of the race.
Media roundup
Anthony Albanese is urging the Coalition to back a gas tax rise in order to sideline the Greens, according to the lead in the Australian Financial Review. Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto has been called a “dead man walking” as he faces growing pressure over his bid to expel Moira Deeming, the Age reports. Surfers in Sydney have been “flogged” by huge waves as wild weather hit NSW, the Daily Telegraph says. Barry Humphries’ family has snubbed Melbourne and opted to have the comedian’s state funeral in Sydney, the Herald Sun says.
What’s happening today
Industrial relations | Court hearing on Transport Workers Union’s case against Qantas for outsourcing ground crews at 10 airports.
Canberra | The inquiry continues into the ACT prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann for the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins.
Economy | ABS releases its household monthly spending indicator.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
